Matthew Mariota Coming to Eugene To Play Football for the Oregon Ducks

Nov 29, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mark Helfrich and quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) talk before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

"Matthew Mariota, brother of Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, is set to arrive in Eugene on or about June 17th to begin summer workouts. The younger Mariota, a soon-to-be graduate of Saint Louis High School in Honolulu, Hawai’i, will continue the Saint Louis legacy at Oregon. Past graduates who’ve played at Oregon include Jeremiah Masoli, Bronson Yim, and Marcus Mariota.More from Autzen ZooOregon football: Ducks and Coach Prime playing it cordial leading up to SaturdayOregon Basketball: Non-conference slate features Michigan coming to EugeneOregon football: Ducks find complete game effort in win vs HawaiiOregon Ducks must get run game going against Hawaii8 Pac-12 teams represented in Associated Press Top 25 after Week 2Mariota has played both defensive end and outside linebacker at the high school level, but most figure he will play linebacker in college because of his 6’3”, 220 pound frame. Coaches will assess his official position during fall camp.Matthew has attended a handful of Oregon games over the last 4 seasons, and has a special bond with many of his future teammates.He will join the team as a preferred walk-on, meaning he will not have to tryout, and is assured a spot on the team. He will likely redshirt the upcoming season, but just like his brother, he’s a fierce competitor and might just surprise everyone from the first time he steps on the field.Brother Marcus, the Tennessee Titans’ 2nd overall pick in the NFL Draft, indicated that his parents, Toa and Alana-Deppe Mariota, have considered moving to Oregon to make traveling to games an easier task. The family attended many home games during Marcus’ 3 playing seasons at Oregon.As fans of country music, there’s always the possibility the Mariotas take up residence in Nashville; however, at the 2015 Oregon Spring Game, the Mariotas said the islands are a special place, and that they will always be home. Don’t expect the family to sell everything and leave Hawai’i any time soon.According to Marcus, Oregon coaches Mark Helfrich and Don Pellum offered his younger brother the opportunity as early as the summer of 2014. He also said that Matthew had “come a long way” in his progress from a football standpoint.Just like his older brother, Matthew Mariota has a very strong work-ethic, and comes from a very supportive family. A Saint Louis coach expects Mariota to be a captain during his career, saying that his work ethic makes the people around him better. Another Mariota is coming to Eugene. Oregon fans should be very excited about a young man like Matthew representing the University.Stay tuned for further  developments."